Top stories from across Virginia and the Roanoke Valley for Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 — bringing you the headlines that matter most:
🏛 Redistricting Showdown: Governor Glenn Youngkin accuses state Democrats of trying to “undermine the will of the people” as a special session begins to redraw Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms.
🗳 Election Update: A new Wason Center poll shows Abigail Spanberger maintaining her lead for governor just one week from Election Day.
⚖️ Data Correction from Miyares’ Office: Newly revised state data challenges Attorney General Jason Miyares’ claims about early-release laws and violent offenders.
🥫 SNAP Benefits in Jeopardy: With the federal shutdown still ongoing, the USDA halts November payments — prompting Governor Youngkin to tap Virginia’s emergency fund and Feeding Southwest Virginia to brace for impact.
🏘 Roanoke County Rezoning Votes: Supervisors consider a 100-unit apartment conversion on Thirlane Road, plus new short-term rental and construction projects in the Catawba and Cave Spring districts.
💔 Community Mourns a Local Advocate: The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition honors founder Christopher Rhoton, credited with saving lives through addiction and overdose prevention work.
🐾 Soup & Sip Fundraiser: Supporters of TNR-SWVA host a charity event for feral cat rescue and care at Fables & Feathers Winery.
🎃 Halloween for a Cause: Dream Team Natural Disaster Relief and Higher Heights hold a free festival Friday night at McCadden Park with family activities, food, and music.
🧺 Pantry Palooza This Weekend: The Least of These Ministry calls for donations to support Roanoke’s homeless community.
⚾ Salem Red Sox Rebrand Launch: Fans invited to a free community event November 8th featuring live music, new team identity reveal, and appearances from Bud Foster and Red Sox pitcher Zack Kelly.
🎧 WFIR News Express — trusted local headlines in just minutes. Follow and listen daily for the stories shaping Southwest Virginia.